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I don't agree. I think Rick Perry would do backflips if he could get the Hyperloop (probably the best example of a "California idea" around - meaning the ideas

I don't agree. I think Rick Perry would do backflips if he could get the Hyperloop (probably the best example of a "California idea" around - meaning the ideas that Californians base their identity on) built in Texas first. He's already actively trying to bring Californians out here. Also, there is definitely enough private money here to fund it. The problem, as mentioned elsewhere, is that it's oil money. If this is powered by solar, probably won't fly.

fnordfnordfnord 13y ago
If the solar panels were the only warts, they'd be off of the thing in two seconds. One problem with the oil angle is that if it could be powered by solar, then it won't use enough oil to matter, definitely not enough to replace the oil usage that it could potentially displace. IMO, the only people in Texas who think that Houstonians need to get to Dallas in an hour and vice-versa, are a few people in Houston and Dallas. Without comprehensive inner-city and metropolitan public transport systems in place, it is just two connected hubs with no spokes. Also as someone else pointed out, Southwest Airlines will lose their minds.
- the_watcher 13y ago
  The airlines are actually the barrier I see being biggest. Also, there is already a fairly robust supercommuter population in Texas. This would only add to that trend, especially if you hooked Austin into it.
  - fnordfnordfnord 13y ago
    >Also, there is already a fairly robust supercommuter population in Texas. I'll say. I know people who commute 100+ miles daily. If it can be made to link rural hubs with city centers, that might fly. People love rural life, but also love affluence. Agriculture, oil/gas doesn't do that for many. >This would only add to that trend, especially if you hooked Austin into it. It definitely needs to link the major cities. It's hard to see how one could justify excluding the Capitol.

fnordfnordfnord 13y ago

If the solar panels were the only warts, they'd be off of the thing in two seconds. One problem with the oil angle is that if it could be powered by solar, then it won't use enough oil to matter, definitely not enough to replace the oil usage that it could potentially displace. IMO, the only people in Texas who think that Houstonians need to get to Dallas in an hour and vice-versa, are a few people in Houston and Dallas. Without comprehensive inner-city and metropolitan public transport systems in place, it is just two connected hubs with no spokes. Also as someone else pointed out, Southwest Airlines will lose their minds.

the_watcher 13y ago
The airlines are actually the barrier I see being biggest. Also, there is already a fairly robust supercommuter population in Texas. This would only add to that trend, especially if you hooked Austin into it.
- fnordfnordfnord 13y ago
  >Also, there is already a fairly robust supercommuter population in Texas. I'll say. I know people who commute 100+ miles daily. If it can be made to link rural hubs with city centers, that might fly. People love rural life, but also love affluence. Agriculture, oil/gas doesn't do that for many. >This would only add to that trend, especially if you hooked Austin into it. It definitely needs to link the major cities. It's hard to see how one could justify excluding the Capitol.